219 posts categorized "Sam Stosur"

May 14, 2010

For all the talk about the number of top seeds leavin' on a jet plane, there are some really fantastic quarterfinal match-ups for the ladies. Are they all blockbusters? Probably not. But I think they're all pretty evenly matched so they should at least be competitive.

And if you watch your WTA for pure drama and hijinks, you could do no better than Aravane vs. JJ. Aravane has made it clear how she feels about JJ (to paraphrase, she thinks JJ's sportsmanship is somewhere between "crap" and "non-existent"). And JJ has made it clear how she feels about...other people. Neither feel compelled to keep their opinions to themselves. So...tune in!

If you watch your WTA for quality tennis, you could do worse than Sam vs. Venus. Sam is on an absolute tear on clay and could finish this tournament in the top 5. Venus has just clinched the #2 ranking. Big serving, big hitting. If that's your flavor, buckle up.

Oh, you want some feel good tennis? How about Shahar vs. Nails? Nails is donating her winnings to charity. Shahar...well, how can you not ever root for Shahar to do well after all the crap she's had to endure. They're both pretty damn badass and pretty evenly matched here.

May 02, 2010

Yay! We get the Stuttgart final we were all hoping for once we realized that 98% of the people we liked were out of the tournament. Thanks, Tennis Gods! And an extra special shout-out to LaPush's (anyone? anyone?) debilitating nerves. You were there when I needed you. Much love.

So long as Sam walks away from this without The Herp, I'm all good. Little victories.

April 21, 2010

Sam did a bunch of behind the scenes videos for the WTA while in Charleston. As as you would expect, they're about as interesting as videos hosted by Sam would be. Which of course only makes me love her more. No pandering here!

Ok, seriously, I totally thought she was going to down that thing raw.

Sam drives a car. No really, that is all this is.

Why am I not surprised that Australia has a nursery rhyme about running away from a coyote?

April 20, 2010

Aside from being an awesome music pen pal, Steve Tignor is great because (1) he acknowledges the shambolicness of the Clijsters-Henin mess that was Miami, (2) he deigned to write about Sam in a non-patronizing way, and (3) he used my favorite pic of Sam, in all of her "I'M SO SCARED!!!" glory.

April 19, 2010

A thoroughly dominating performance by Sam, beating a hilariously frustrated as per yoosh Bepa, 60 63. Sam was in the zone and Vera couldn't do much about it. So Sam takes her second title of the season, her first title on clay (where she has semifinal points to defend at RG), and the biggest title of her career.

So she took some time to show the world how much wicker is a complete waste of space.

April 18, 2010

Quite the dilemma, this match. Do I root for my new love, Sam? Or do I stick to my guns and root for Dani, knowing that a win and a final would make her happy, which is all that I've ever really wanted for her?

Tough call. Katie said I should root for Dani because "she doesn't get a chance to play on center all the time." Not convincing, Katie. And so while I was fighting off hipsters left and right at Record Store Day, I was quietly rooting for Sam, knowing that she needs to build her confidence on clay, you know, seeing as how she actually did well at Roland Garros last year.

So no, I didn't watch the match. But from what I understand, Dani was up 5-2 in the second before she collapsed, Sam started busting forehands to force a tiebreak, which she took easily, 7-2.

March 31, 2010

At the end of the day, irrespective of your faves and rooting tendencies, if you're a fan of tennis then this is the semifinal you were hoping for.

Or you're me and you just really wanted Sam to win. I'm not that mature.

Good on the Belgians for taking out their strong opponents by, more than anything, outsteeling them. During the big points and the crucial points of each of their matches, Justine and Kim stepped up and played steady, while their inexperienced opponents, Boots and Sam, despite offering a challenge, wilted. Justine outlasted Caro over three tough sets, at one point calling a trainer for her back. Sam was slow out of the gate but did challenge Kim in the second set, before playing a crap game late in the set to give Kim the break. Still a good run for her, though.

Based on form I have have to give Kim the clear edge here. Justine Eh?Nah has looked shaky throughout the tournament. Her serve is crap, and she's trying to smack the cover off the ball every chance she gets. Pardon me, but I was led to believe that the Great One played with "variety". Right now all she's playing with is the Herp.

So it's not a secret if you follow me on Twitter that I have become a StosurKAD. I couldn't help it. I've been a marginal fan for a while but seeing her play at Indian Wells really solidified my fandom. I mean, you guys. THAT SERVE. It is a marvel. You cannot possibly understand how awesome it is until you see it in person, in particular, her seconds serve. That thing kicks like no other. It's amazing.

But yes, everytime she slammed an ace or cracked a huge forehand I had the intense urge to stand up and yell "THE HAMMER OF THOR COMPELS YOU!!!" I was cheering so loudly I think I kind of freaked her out. In fact, during her win over Bepa, another FDer clearly heard me and yelled at me after the match. There is nothing more shocking than hearing your blog name screamed out during a professional tennis match. It was pretty awesome.

But honestly, I have no idea where that cheer is coming from. I don't really even know what it means or whether it makes sense. But hey. That's my brain.

Pete Bodo had a nice write up on the Sam/JJ match. It's worth a read. He spends much of the article talking about JJ, but I thought his observations on Sam were dead on:

You'd think
that any world-class player would have this distance-to-the-ball thing
down pat, but it's surprising how often Stosur overruns a ball, or ends
up playing it too close to her body (one by-product of that is a slice
backhand that lacks sting). I suppose it's a sign of bad footwork, or
slow reflexes. The conditions certainly had something to do with her
positioning difficulties tonight, but it was still clear that Stosur
doesn't - make that can't - adjust nearly as well to the ball
as does Jankovic. Never mind. Stosur compensated for the shortcoming by
having a clear idea of what she was going to do, and deciding that
nothing was going to stop her. She had the game plan.

It's weird. She doesn't like balls. You'd think she wouldn't have a problem keeping her distance.

Before Fed made his, some would say, untimely exit from Miami, Rafa sat in the stands with Tomeu to watch him. Way to jinx him, Rafa! *air five*

Sveta suffered some shoulder issues in her 63 60 loss to Mono. Needless to say, she's got a few points to defend on clay. Hope the shoulder heals. Moscow must have been on her mind, too.

Serena was on hand to watch Dani play a great match, only to lose to Venus in three sets. Sad face, Dani.

And the Indian Wells champ fell to the Hammer of Thor in three tight sets. Not really a bad loss for her. It was a 10 vs 8 match, Sam's playing great, and JJ's got to be tired after her run in IW. I mean, when's the last time you remember her playing for two straight weeks?

March 29, 2010

Well after a few days of clusterfuckage, Miami seemed to get back on track today. JJ got a straight set win over Elena V., as did Justine over Domi, Kim over Shahar (bagel and stick!), and Vika over Lucie.

Caro is under the weather (a virus apparently) and dropped the first set to Makiri 61. She must have ate Makiri's heart between sets because she would go on to win the match handily. Note to Boots: I'm not rooting for you until you quit fucking moonballing. You're likable as hell but whenever I see that junior move I roll my eyes and change the channel.

And in YayMe! news, Sam and Pavs both won and are into the quarterfinals. Huzzah! Or something.

As for the boys there were some notable surprises, namely Jo's orange kit with what might as well be a boatneck collar. Seriously, did you guys see that thing? How big is your head, Jo?

No, the one above your shoulders, honey. Nevermind. My mind went to a funny place.

It's OK, Halpert. I'd do the same thing if I saw JCF.

I really wish I saw this match. It looked like an intriguing 50-50 on paper. JCF came out on top. He also won in three sets.

March 24, 2010

One of the beauties of Indian Wells, and I would presume any Masters or Premier tournament that gives you access to the players, is the joy of just watching these elite athletes mosey about their every day lives. Because really, awesome facilities and weather aside, this *is* their life. Waking, stretching, practicing, eating, and sleeping.

Sure, I could keep posting the awesome practice pictures that Steph was able to capture. But come on. That stuff you can, for the most part, get from anyone and anywhere. And really, how many times do I really need to see Andy Murray striking a tennis ball? Spoiler Alert: He's a professional tennis player. Each stroke looks the same. It's not gonna change from pic to pic.

But where I really have to give Steph credit is her ability to quietly (and someone creepily) wander the grounds and be at all the right places at all the right times. I just love all the candids she was able to catch that really capture the players' personalities.

The Family Pavs. That's her brother wearing a spectacularly sequined Ed Hardy hat.

Go To Tennis is already onsite and they have some great pictures up. Check them out here, here, here, and here. Hey Vika, if you want to redeem yourself feel free to garrote Fed with your grip tape. I won't stop you. And I'm so happy to see Nole has decided to practice on the grounds this year.

Sam didn't even get a chance to play but bless her, she actually played well. But Serena put on an absolute clinic, particularly on her serve. It was easily the most dominant performance at the tournament so far, man or woman.

January 23, 2010

At least, that's what Chris Fowler called today's action. Me? It didn't even deserve a clever name. It was just boring. The top seeds rolled and none of them were really tested, which means we didn't gain any additional insight into their games and their forms. Here's hoping tomorrow's action brings some excitement.

January 19, 2010

Sorry for the delay. Apparently yesterday's matches took too much out of me, as I fell asleep at 9am and woke up at 7pm. That was...not my intention. That said, I'm clearly on AO time, so bring it on, Melbourne.

Bagels give you wings!

'Stick and bagel? Please, Aga, don't hurt 'em.

Um...I'm leaving this one alone.

Dude? WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY?!?!?!?!

Taking a page from MaKiri's book, if you can't beat 'em, seduce 'em.

Except...well...he's not MaKiri. So...opposite result.

Ricardo was fired up, y'all. And it was *hilarious*.

"Please Lord, don't smite me!"

Vagina hugs!

"Young man, I am not amused by your antics."

Boo, Sam.

Phew, Sam.

Gavroche!

Hush little baby, don't say a word,Misha's gonna buy you a mockingbird.And if that mockingbird don't sing,MISHA'S GOING TO TEAR OFF IT'S HEAD AND PISS IN ITS SKULL. YOU MESSED WITH THE WRONG MARINE!!!

January 17, 2010

The fact that the event raised money and awareness for Haiti is enough of a reason to love it. But the kids actually brought the laughs on a consistent basis and made, what is essentially, porn for tennis fans. If you turn up the sound and close your eyes, it really does sound like porn. Not that, you know, I did that. I'm in an airport for God's sake.

Baseball vs. Soccer, with Australia not sure what hell is going on.

"Right? The chain mail totally feels like fabric!"

I guess Sergio Tacchini doesn't make cups.

I love how Kim's looking at him like a bemused mom.

"Oh, Novak."

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Rafa. I said it was "porn for tennis fans." Not actual porn.

Dear Serena: Your threats? So noted.

If you were to pair up the two least threatening people on the ATP/WTA tours and pair them for a gropefest, well...you could do worse. Somehow Kim makes it look...clinical.

Since Roger organized this thing, I can't say anything snarky. So...

Roger did pushups during the exo.

Hee. HeeHee.

I pretty much love this entire seven minutes. I especially love Rafa's beleagured and obedient "Si" after Roger says "Vamos, Rafa." He's such a good kid.

January 11, 2010

In news that could surprise no one, Sam Stosur has admitted that the weight of higher expectations is getting to her.

"'It (expectation) is a new thing for me at the moment. Unfortunately, I'm

not handling it quite as well.'"

One can debate the wisdom of hashing this all out in the press-- not for the sake of your opponents (I'm pretty sure Flavia's not sitting in her hotel room hitting refresh on Fox News Australia), but for the sake of avoiding being live bait for journalists. Giving them fresh blood in the water is not going to help you gain confidence, Sam. I'm sure Dinara and Anne K would be happy to talk to you about that.

"'In some ways it's easier when you've got nothing to lose and you're not

expected to win,' she said."

Maybe Martina N should call and tell Sam that pressure is a privilege?

"'I have to really remember that I am a good player,' Stosur said."

Sad and yikes. Seriously, a sports psychologist with a decent reputation could make a mint just hanging out around the locker rooms at any WTA tournament.

It is rough for her that all this is peaking in her head at her home Slam. I mean, she's even got the paparazzi on her.

Things looked rough in Sydney today, with top seeds and high-ranked players crashing out, retiring, and having uncomfortably close calls. Caro, JJ, Bepa (still having problems with that ankle) and Nads all lost, while Vika got played a little too close for comfort by Sabine. And while Sam losing to Flavs is not, on its face, a terrible result, the quality of play she showed was... uh, not good. What up, Sammy?

The only seed that lost on the guy's side was Igor Andreev. I think his hair is getting him down.

January 07, 2010

"The Economist, once a year, heads out on this mission to see the future. They try to predict the coming year... I am a fan of The Economist-- that said, I think this project where they try to predict the coming year is totally ridiculous. You have these great reporters who have to write about, for instance, what's going to happen in China in the year 2010 and they bring so much knowledge to this question, but in the end, because no one can know the future, they end up making these kind of equivocal 'on the one hand, on the other hand' kinds of predictions... who cares?? ... 'Here's a bunch of random things that may or may not happen, believe whatever you want.'" -- Ira Glass, This American Life ("2010")

That right there is pretty much my personal opinion of predictions in sports like tennis. Who cares? Mostly, nothing means anything. The business of predictions, proclamations, assertions made on the basis of a single match (or one good week) is misleading and serves no purpose in an objective sport like tennis. This year especially, when there are so many comebacks (from both retirement and injury) and a string of Very Good Players who had Very Bad Years last year, proclaiming the future seems particularly futile. Trust me, I've been in sports where predictions and what certain people say and who won which events actually matters. You don't want any part of it.

I don't even get why people like to do it (is it so you can say later that you were right? Usually I could get into that). All you can do in tennis is watch and see what happens. To me, that's part of the beauty of it. I hate trying to guess what's going to happen. I'd much rather take stock as I go along.

So.

Things That--Really Guys-- Seem Completely Meaningless Right Now

Sorana Cirstea d Sam Stosur (Hopman Cup)

I can't even count how many times I read after this match that Sorana had served notice or some such. Yes, Sorana played that match-- at least the last set and a half-- very well. But what's earthshattering about that? We all know Sorana Cirstea can play good tennis. What we don't know is whether she can play good tennis consistently enough to make a significant impact on the tour. Considering that she followed up her (impressive) defeat of Stosur with losses to Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Melanie Oudin, the win (and the declarations that followed) seems particularly meaningless.

Sabine Lisicki d Elena Dementieva (Hopman Cup)

See above. We all know that Sabine can have big wins. We also all know that Elena can have very bad losses. How did Sabine follow up her (spectacular) defeat of Dementieva? By getting played way too close for comfort by a 15-year-old who's not even full time on tour yet.

Melanie Oudin's "Sub-Par" Performance at Hopman CupMelanie's always down in small events and then up in Slams and Fed Cup (or, at least, that's the pattern she established last year). Her performances at Hopman Cup indicate nothing other than that-- so far-- that trend looks to continue.

"Comeback" Wins By Daniela Hantuchova, Alize Cornet, and Dominika CibulkovaAll of these women are former top-20 (or even top-5) players with immense amounts of talent, loads of past results, and a not-so-hot 2009. All of them had pretty stellar early matches this week that looked like their peak selves, prompting some to call them contenders for the second week of the Australian Open. All of them immediately had their asses handed to them by higher-ranked, more consistent players. Ahem. (Not that they couldn't be, mind you, it's just silly to declare that based on two good matches that follow 6 months--or more-- of nothing.)

Things That Hold My Interest

Laura Robson (Hopman Cup)Laura's new on the pro scene and has her youth and lack of record working against her in the "where might this be going" game. She also, should her mind turn out to tend towards these kinds of things, has a huge disadvantage in all the pressure that is being, and will continue to be piled on her by the British media. But it's been a lot of fun to watch her grow in confidence at Hopman Cup this week. In her first match, she looked terrified, but through playing mixed doubles with Andy Murray, she seems to be growing in her belief that she can keep up with the big kids. She played Sabine Lisicki very well, looking at all times like she belonged on the same court. It'll be interesting to see if that continues to develop for her.

Sam Stosur (Hopman Cup)On paper, Sam should have won all her matches at Hopman Cup. In the real world, she lost two out of three. Her ability is undeniable, but she isn't exactly projecting the kind of mental strength that's going to sustain her at the top of the game. Is this particularly dismal performance just a sign that, like Amelie Mauresmo in France, she doesn't cope well with the hometown pressure? Is it something bigger than that? Or did she just have a really bad week?

Ana Ivanovic (Brisbane)

Ana's having a winning week, which is obviously much better than what's been happening for her since Roland Garros. But is it really a sign of recovery? There's a tendency to (rather dramatically) pretend like since she won RG in 2008, Ana's been losing in the first round every week. But of course that's not true. She won Linz that fall, made the quarters of Brisbane and Dubai and the final of IW last year, and made the third or fourth round at three out of four Slams last year. Of course, those aren't the results that anyone expects from her, but they're not exactly Nicole Vaidisova, either. So far this week she's beaten-- in tough matches-- people who are ranked significantly below her. Since there's not anyone at Brisbane ranked significantly above her, even a win at the event might not be a very good indicator of where, precisely, she is at this point.

Justine Henin (Brisbane)She's back, and she's winning, but winning how? Her matches have all been close, and with the exception of Nadia Petrova, they've not been against people ranked anywhere near what is popularly thought of as Justine's caliber. We all know what Justine's capable of, her record is clear evidence of that. But it shouldn't be forgotten, either, how dismal the last few months of her "first" career were, or that she has yet to play-- let alone beat-- a top 10 player on her comeback.

Flavia Pennetta (Auckland)Flavia's usual modus operandi is to have a pretty dismal winter, pick up at Acapulco, have a couple of good clay events, and then really come alive on the US Open Series in the summer. But this year in Auckland she's come roaring out of the gates, kicking ass and taking names. Hmmm.

They invite you to their house to play a game, and this is how you repay their hospitality?

Romania d. Australia, 2-1

Sam/Sorana was a little confusing. Sam played well for about a set and a third, and Sorana played well for about a set and a half. When Sorana's playing well and reading her opponent's game correctly, she's really exciting to watch. But, personally, it seems a little early to be guessing at great things in Sorana Cirstea's future because she played a good match. Girlfriend's played good matches before. First round at Hopman Cup does not a career make. That said, watching her when she's on is a lot of fun. Also, she is purty.

I actually didn't see any of the rest of the tie, somewhat because I can't be bothered to watch Lleyton Hewitt do much of anything. But apparently the Hewitt/Hanescu match was pretty good. I've always thought Hanescu had the potential to be an interesting player, and of course Hewitt's track record speaks for itself (although he's not the same player since all the injuries). But it's nice to see a couple of more creative players play really well against each other. You know, theoretically.

January 01, 2010

I guess it technically started in Abu Dhabi a couple of days ago, but somehow I can never quite count exhibitions (not that I won't be posting about them). But now, RIGHT NOW, Hopman Cup is starting with Australia v. Romania. Sam vs. Sorana.

With Rezai's win over Czink, she goes 2-0 in round robin play and advances to the semis. Kimiko's win, combined with Yanina's withdrawal due the doping suspension, means Kimiko also advances to the semis.

November 05, 2009

It wouldn't be the end of the WTA season without one more chance to laugh at people for being completely incapable of dressing themselves. Some of them are getting distressingly (read: boringly) good at it, but you know there'll always be one WTFer in the group. Or two, or three.

A lot of things about this frighten me. Mainly that, with the faces upside down, it looks like she's wearing a minidress with a Marilyn Manson print. Also, the eyes. Freaky.

This looks kind of like a bridesmaid's dress I had to wear once, if you cut the skirt off about three and a half feet from the bottom.

The confusingly named Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions has kicked off in Bali. I'm not sure anyone would describe Melinda Czink as a "Champion" per se, but whatever. I'm tired, it's the end of the season, I'll go with it.

Here's your 12 woman field:

Vera is actually there as an alternate. Sammy Stones and MJMS are also in the draw, though they were probably still on the boat from Doha.

Speaking of which, I'm craving a Pina Colada all of a sudden. Not virgin.

Here are the groups:

GROUP A

Marion Bartoli

Shahar Peer

Magdelena Rybarikova

GROUP B

Samantha Stosur

Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez

Agnes Szavay

GROUP C

Yanina Wickmayer

Anabel Medina Garrigues

Kimiko Date Krumm

GROUP D

Sabine Lisicki

Melinda CzinkAravane Rezai

The ladies will play Ring around the Robin, and the top player from each group will advance to the semis.

October 28, 2009

And that motley crew is your Bali field. I'm sure the WTA was stoked to see that their headliner was Marion Bartoli. Then again, I'm sure the WTA was stoked that they could even put together a field given the number of ladies who were refusing to play Bali. I still think it's BS that there are women who were ranked higher than these ladies who didn't "qualify" for Bali because either they won the wrong tournaments or they didn't win a tournament at all. But congrats to these ladies, who I'm sure will put on a solid tournament (and I mean that with no sarcasm at all). I am firmly in the Sam/Sabine camp, with Kimiko serving as a spoiler.

October 17, 2009

Big congratulations to Sammy for winning her very first WTA title in Osaka! That seems so impossible, and yet it's true.

Samantha Stosur d. Francesca Schiavone, 75 61

First set looked competitive, second... not so much, as Franny pretty much just collapsed. Sam's serve wasn't so hot in the second set, either, but since her opponent lost the ability to win first serve points, second serve points, first return points, and second return points it... didn't really matter.

Also, with this win, Sam should be qualified for Bali. Wonder if she'll go?

Yeah, baby! That's the combined record in tour finals of the Osaka finalists. Congratulations, ladies. One of you is guaranteed to trip over a title today.

Sam had a nice win over Caro in three sets, including a bagel in the first, and well-done to her. Except for that one match against Serena in Stanford, she's been having a rough time since she made the semis at RG. She hit 12 aces in the match, which is a little bit insane, given current WTA standards. Also, look at that arm. It's not for real. The picture is completely deceptive, because looking at that arm and how bad ass she looks in those sunglasses, you'd think it would be impossible for her to ever lose.

In the other semi, Franny ended the best run Sania's had in what seems like forever in less than an hour. Oh well, Sania. Progress is progress! Is this possibly the worst picture ever taken of her?

October 16, 2009

So... that work thing happened. And now I am determined to at least get a results post out. It's not gonna be much, but I submit it humbly for your consumption, dear reader.

Shanghai

More retirements?? You're kidding, right? And my Quality Guy Ljubicic, too. Sobs. But he's an old guy, I guess I'll forgive him the hip injury.

Also, Feli won another match? This is beginning to feel like some kind of alternate universe. Also, I was very amused by Kolya's quote that Stepanek "destroyed" him in the second set. I don't think 6-4 counts as destruction, sweetie.

Finally. Actual matches! If I hadn't been so preoccupied all day, I would have been glued to Radwanska/Safarova. Wickmayer/Errani and Kvitova/CSN aren't too shabby, either. I keep thinking how awesome it'll be if Round 1 of the YEC Race to the Bottom comes down to an Aga/Flavs final. That would be faaaaaaaantabulous.

The Shanghai of the WTA. Two retirements in four quarterfinals? Woz/Woz is always a good time, and I'm glad that those matches are at least getting a little closer, but still. More than one meaningful match this late in a tournament would be nice.

October 15, 2009

Okay, not really, I guess. But come on, Radwanska/Cornet? That's a solid match. On paper. Maybe. And Anna-Lena Groenfeld somehow took Flavia to three sets. They're trying. Halfheartedly.

Seriously, I'm perfectly pleased at how these tournaments are progressing, there's just not much to say about Lucie Safarova beating U.Rad. Or Sam Stosur beating Akiko Morigami. Okay, maybe there's something to say about that, Sam winning is a rare enough sight these days.

October 13, 2009

So far, I have zero enthusiasm for the WTA tournaments going on this week. I mean, in Osaka the one seemingly interesting match (Sam vs. Peng Shuai) didn't even happen, with Peng being replaced by a lucky loser. Whom Sam beat. [yawn] The only even mildly interesting thing that happened was that Jill Craybas beat Kimiko Date Krumm in Sweatin' to the Oldies II, Electric Boogaloo. All the seeds won. Julie Coin lost. Moving on.

Unfortunately for Sorana Cirstea, something sort of interesting happened in Linz, which is to say that she lost. The most surprising thing about it to me is that she lost in straight sets in fairly easy fashion. What up, Sorana? At least her hair still looked nice.

That was the only happening of note, though, all the other seeds coming through in fairly easy fashion.

October 12, 2009

For example, you might be able to drop your bag in the middle of the street and sprint after Michael Phelps without a bus coming along and running said bag into the ground. Or you might be able to mysteriously lose a ping pong ball in a completely porous ceiling.

I really love how Sam avoids looking directly into the camera in these videos, like she's a 14-year-old trying to pretend she's not being completely humiliated by her mother.

It might also be possible, while in China, to completely get your ass kicked by Franny in an E-Bike race. I'm not sure what an E-Bike is, but I think Kleybs needs some lessons.

September 08, 2009

Love All made time out of her busy Alias The Musical understudy schedule to roam the hallowed grounds of the BJKERJLCMAKNTC on Sunday. Given the grounds pass and a camera, of course she made a beeline for Conchita Martinez.

September 02, 2009

All credit to Vania. She played really really well and took the game to Sam, daring her to be more aggressive and take it. And Sam just couldn't step up. This match reminded me a lot of Ana's match last night, where K-Bond just ran everything down and refused to miss, and Ana just kept waiting for her to miss. And just like last night, when Sam did try to play aggressively and pop her forehand, she simply couldn't execute. Too many unforced errors and a lot of confusion as to why her serve wasn't winning her any free points.

Hard to say what was up with Sam these past two matches (and even three matches if you include Toronto). Ever since her layoff after LA she was never able to get the rhythm on her serve. And so goes the serve, so goes Sam. If she can't rely on her serve to start the point in her favor, then she's fucked. She's not a great mover and playing defense ain't gonna cut it. This was definitely not the Sam that I oohed and ahhed at in LA.

And so C Note's stable continues to dwindle. Why do I choose the players that I do? Why???